Mountain View Man Faces Firearm, Drug Charges

A Mountain View man wanted for questioning in a robbery investigation was inadvertently found in upper Puna where authorities responded to an unrelated incident earlier this week.

On Monday, Jan. 10, officers from Hawai’i Police Departmentʻs Area I Special Enforcement Unit, made contact with 28-year-old Alden Pauline at a residence on Heno Street in Mountain View when they observed him exiting the front passenger door of a vehicle. Pauline was wanted for questioning in an unconnected robbery investigation. Upon walking towards the vehicle and Pauline, officers observed a shotgun in plain view on the front passenger seat.

Pauline was subsequently arrested and officers recovered an unknown substance from his person, which was later determined to be methamphetamine. During the course of the investigation, officers recovered the shotgun and three rounds of ammunition for two different weapons.

Pauline has a prior felony conviction and it is illegal for anyone with a felony conviction to own, or be in possession of, firearms or ammunition.

On Tuesday, Jan. 11, after conferring with the Prosecutor’s Office, Pauline was charged with two counts of ownership of possession prohibited, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and prohibited acts related to drug paraphernalia.

His bail was set at $60,000 and his initial court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 12, in Hilo District Court.